What Happens If A Service Person Is Taken Seriously Ill OverseasThe Royal Navy has a scheme known as DILFOR (it stands for 'Dangerously Ill - Forwarding Overseas of Relatives'), which allows a visit to the bedside of a casualty overseas. The DILFOR scheme does not apply to serving personnel on leave away from the country in which they are serving.

DILFOR is only authorised on the direct recommendation of the Senior Medical Officer concerned and once they are satisfied that certain criteria have been met.

It must be stressed that DILFOR is intended solely for the benefit of the patient and there is no automatic entitlement for next-of-kin to visit the patient at public expense (ie paid for by the RN).

The DILFOR scheme allows 2 people, normally the nominated NOK and a companion, to travel overseas at public expense to visit a Service person at the bedside if the casualty is categorised as 'Very Seriously Ill' (ie when illness or injury is of such severity that life is imminently endangered).

Travel arrangements are normally co-ordinated by JCCC in close liaison with Compassionate Cell Andover, the relatives concerned and the Unit involved. NPFS may also be requested to assist.